Rename Column and Table in SQL Server

Rename Column and Table in SQL Server

I. Introduction

This documentation provides a step-by-step guide on how to rename columns and tables in SQL Server. Renaming columns and tables can be essential when there is a need to improve data clarity, maintain consistency, or adhere to naming conventions.

II. Rename Column

A. Syntax

sql
ALTER TABLE table_name
RENAME COLUMN old_column_name TO new_column_name;

B. Explanation

The above SQL statement uses the ALTER TABLE command to rename a specific column within an existing table. The table_name is the name of the table containing the column you wish to rename. The old_column_name represents the current name of the column, and new_column_name represents the desired new name for the column.

C. Example

Let's assume we have a table named "employees" with the following structure:

sql
CREATE TABLE employees (
    emp_id INT PRIMARY KEY,
    emp_name VARCHAR(50),
    emp_age INT
);

If we want to rename the column "emp_age" to "employee_age," we can execute the following SQL statement:

sql
ALTER TABLE employees
RENAME COLUMN emp_age TO employee_age;

After running this query, the column "emp_age" will be renamed to "employee_age" within the "employees" table.

III. Rename Table

A. Syntax

sql
EXEC sp_rename 'old_table_name', 'new_table_name';

B. Explanation

The above SQL statement uses the system stored procedure sp_rename to rename an existing table. The old_table_name represents the current name of the table, while new_table_name represents the desired new name for the table.

C. Example

Let's consider we have a table named "old_employees," and we want to rename it to "new_employees." We can execute the following SQL statement:

sql
EXEC sp_rename 'old_employees', 'new_employees';

Once this query is executed, the table "old_employees" will be renamed to "new_employees."

IV. Conclusion

Renaming columns and tables in SQL Server is a straightforward process that can be accomplished using the ALTER TABLE statement for columns and the sp_rename system stored procedure for tables. Renaming helps maintain database organization and ensures consistency in naming conventions, which is crucial for effective data management. Always exercise caution when renaming database objects, and make sure to update any dependent objects or applications accordingly.